foolish
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foolish
Acting unwisely, unreasonably, and without good judgment. The word is often used to judge an action or decision as stupid and belongs to an elevated style of language.
Es wäre töricht zu glauben, dass dieses Problem von allein verschwindet.
It would be foolish to believe that this problem will disappear on its own.
'Töricht' (foolish) is a word of elevated style and is mainly used in written language or in formal speeches. In everyday colloquial language, it often sounds outdated or very formal.
Der König nannte den Plan seines Beraters töricht.
The king called his advisor's plan foolish.
A very typical construction with this adjective is 'Es ist/wäre töricht, … zu' (It is/would be foolish to ...), followed by an infinitive. This evaluates an action or thought as unwise.
Es wäre töricht, die Warnungen der Experten zu ignorieren.
It would be foolish to ignore the experts' warnings.
'Töricht' (foolish) often describes abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'eine törichte Entscheidung' (a foolish decision), 'ein törichter Glaube' (a foolish belief), 'eine törichte Hoffnung' (a foolish hope), or 'ein törichtes Verhalten' (foolish behavior).
Es war eine törichte Entscheidung, ohne Karte in die Berge zu gehen.
It was a foolish decision to go into the mountains without a map.
The adjective 'töricht' (foolish) is related to the old word 'der Tor' (the fool), which refers to a stupid or foolish person. This origin helps you better understand the meaning 'unklug' (unwise).
Nur ein Tor würde so ein Risiko eingehen.
Only a fool would take such a risk.
stupid / unfortunate
'dumm' and 'töricht' can both express that someone is not acting sensibly. 'dumm' is the normal everyday word and can directly judge people, statements, or actions. 'töricht' sounds more elevated and is used more for an unreasonable decision or wrong behavior. It feels less everyday and often somewhat written. In conversation, people usually say 'dumm' or 'unklug'; 'töricht' fits better in more serious or formal texts.
Es wäre töricht, das ganze Geld ohne Plan auszugeben.
It would be foolish to spend all the money without a plan.
Sie fühlte sich dumm, weil sie die einfache Erklärung nicht verstanden hatte.
She felt stupid because she had not understood the simple explanation.